Three Syllable Names for Boys

Sounds like exactly what it is: The name of a romance novel hero.

Iorek Byrnison is king of the armored bears and a fierce and brave companion of Lyra’s in Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy. The name Iorek appears to have been coined by Pullman for the books, but the first element Ior- derives from Old Norse Jar, meaning "battle" and the second element -rek derives from Old Norse/Ancient Germanic ríkr, meaning "mighty; distinguished; ruler."

Hesperos or Hesperus is the personification of the evening star in Greek mythology; in Roman myth, that role is held by Venus. There's a Longfellow poem called "The Wreck of the Hesperus" about a tragic ship voyage.

Ericson, also spelled Erickson and Erikson (and with -sen endings too), is a Nordic surname that makes a strong choice. Ericson may continue the trend Harrison, Jefferson and Jackson started.

For lovers of that romantic city.

This ancient saint's name was borne by the infamous midcentury playboy, Porfirio Rubirosa.

Traian derives from Traianus, a Roman emperor and military genius who conquered ancient Dacia, which corresponds to modern-day Romania and Moldova. Popular a generation ago, Traian is best known throughout the wider world via the presidency of Traian Basescu.

This grand name combines "lysis" (freedom) and "andros" (man). Lysander is a related, and more recognizable, variation.

A streamlined spelling of the classical British Thackeray — no wonder this is the more common variation in the US. Thackery makes a preppier, more unusual alternative to Zachary.

A redhead supporting hero in Naruto, whose name refers to the greater good he contributes to even after his death.

Two z's equal double pizzazz.

Huracan is the supreme Mayan god whose name inspired the hurricane. If Storm and Sky can make names, why not Huracan?

One of the few Italian forms less attractive than the original, this time because it will forever be mistaken with the feminine version.

A classic Irish "top-o'-the-mornin' surname with a lot of rhythm and pizzazz.

Popular in the Hispanic world and use in honor of Saint Augustine, Agustin is an anglicized form of the Spanish Agustín. It peaked at Number 561 in 2001 in the US charts and has since dropped on and off of the list again. Given to around 210 boys in a recent year, Agustin also ranks highly in Chile and Uruguay.

Japanese word for "scarecrow" that is used as a name in Howl's Moving Castle and Naruto.

A strong Slavic classic, borne by many kings and princes through the ages.

A few possible explanations for this name: It could be a creative spelling of Million, an elaborated variant of Milan or a reference to singer Christina Milian. We'll leave it up to you whether those are winning inspirations for a baby name.

Hippie name with a sweet meaning. While theoretically gender-neutral, Harmony was given to nearly 1400 baby girls last year....and zero boys.